Brittlyn Stable’s Star Guitarbecame the highest-earning Louisiana-bred in history with a gutsy win over Klaravich Stables’
Populist Politics in the
Southern Oaks Plantation Costa Rising Stakes. The $90,000 event was
guaranteed to push the son of Quiet American over the previous record
holder
Happy Ticket provided he won.

For much of the race, Star Guitar looked up against it as
String King set moderate
fractions with a loose lead. In the stretch, Populist Politics took over
from String King but was unable to fend-off Star Guitar who dug-in for
the narrow win. Robert Orth & Wes Hawley’s
Get In Da House made a rally on the outside to grab third while String King faded to fourth.

“He’s a type of horse that gives you a lot of confidence going into a race,” said winning trainer
Al Stall Jr. “Honestly, I
was a little worried going into the turn he looked like he had to get
him to run a little bit which is unusual. I would have to say he ran his
‘B’ race or so but he’s just that kind of horse. He
just overcomes the weight he is carrying, the wide trip. That’s Star
Guitar. That’s why he is who he is.”

The win was the 10th at Fair Grounds for Star Guitar and his 23rd overall from just 28 career starts.
Corey Lanerie was along for the ride.

“You
know, breaking from the outside he broke a little sharp and he went
wider around the first than I expected,” Lanerie said. “I thought I
was on the best horse. I tried to keep him out of trouble and I rode
with a touch too much confidence today. They made us run down the lane
and work. He proved that he’s the best and that he is going to get it
done.”

Star
Guitar paid $3.20, $2.80 and $2.10. Populist Politics paid $4.60 and
$2.40. Get In A Da House paid $2.20 for the show. The final time was
1:44.01.

“I must say that there’s no owner that could actually imagine that this happening to them,” said owner
Evelyn Benoit. “He’s simply the best and today we get to say he proved it. He deserves it. I’m thrilled. I love
Louisiana. I’m so happy it happened here at the Fair Grounds.”

--Travis Stone

KISSIMMEE KYLE TAKES BAYOU ST. JOHN

In The final stakes race of the day, and of the 140th Thoroughrbed Racing Season, Red Oak Stable’s
Kissimmee Kyle drew off for an easy 3 ¼-length win in the $60,000 Bayou St. John Stakes for Louisiana-bred turf sprinters.